Wireless Channel Control Using Client Feedback

This application is a continuation of U.S. Patent Application No. 17/748,645, filed May 19, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Wireless networking includes the use of various computing devices to access services, including voice, audio, and video data services, over a wireless network such as a local area network (LAN) of a home or business. A service provider, such as an internet service provider (ISP), typically supplies its customers with one or more pieces of customer premise equipment (CPE) for accessing internet service, via a wired network (e.g., hybrid fiber coaxial or fiber) which support wireless networks. For example, an ISP may provide a modem and a router or a single device that includes modem and router capabilities (referred to as a gateway) to its customers. When powered up and connected to the internet, a gateway can be used to provide radio frequency (RF) links or wireless channels for other radio-capable devices, such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, etc.

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard defines protocols, procedures, and communication parameters to use for wireless networking. In addition to the communication of computer data, the IEEE 802.11 standard is being used for more and more for voice, audio, and video applications. IEEE 802.11 may include the consideration of Quality of Service (QoS) metrics to meet various QoS requirements including use of enhanced 802.11 media access control (MAC) protocols to support applications with QoS requirements.

A variety of wireless communication factors may affect QoS requirements, such as throughput and latency for example, experienced by client devices over a wireless network. Attenuation (e.g., physical structures) and/or interfering sources (e.g., cordless phones, wireless accessories, wireless cameras, other mobile devices, gateways, access points, routers, microwave emitters, etc.) may impact wireless signal quality experienced by each client device depending on where each client device is located. For example, Co-Channel Interference (CCI) and Adjacent Channel Interference (ACI) from other wireless devices (e.g., WIFI devices) in a wireless environment can result in poor network performance which may result in high retry rates and/or low throughput. Depending on amount of attenuation and interference seen at different locations in a wireless environment, a client device may have wireless performance of a certain quality (e.g., satisfactory or better) at one location but have a different quality (e.g., unsatisfactory) at a different location. Unfortunately, an access point, a router, gateway, etc. is unaware of the attenuation and/or interference parameters proximal to a location of each client device.

Some access points, routers, or gateways are configured include radio resource management (RRM) solutions that use automatic channel selection algorithms that attempt to select an operating channel that minimize interference from other wireless devices. However, the automatic channel selection algorithms do not account for radio frequency (RF) conditions proximal to a location of each particular client device. Accordingly, unsatisfactory performance may result when a gateway or access point has utilized a wireless channel for a client device that may not be the best channel for a particular location or communication environment. For example, the gateway may utilize a wireless channel and channel width based on its proximal RF environment that may be quite different from the RF environment proximal to the client device. A technical solution is needed to overcome the technical problem associated with use of a wireless channel and/or channel width of an operating band that results in unsatisfactory wireless performance.

It is with respect to these and other general considerations that the aspects disclosed herein have been made. Also, although relatively specific problems may be discussed, it should be understood that the examples should not be limited to solving the specific problems identified in the background or elsewhere in this disclosure.

Aspects of the present disclosure improve wireless networking performance by reducing or limiting performance issues caused by undetected or unknown interference sources and/or attenuation sources. According to an aspect, feedback from client devices can be utilized to reduce or limit wireless network performance issues caused by varying interference parameters and/or attenuation parameters observed by each client device. For example, feedback associated with wireless networking parameters observed by a client device may be received and analyzed as the client device moves from one location to a different location but remains associated with the same access point. Feedback, associated with wireless communication conditions of corresponding client devices, may be used in conjunction with a machine learning algorithm to enable a dynamic selection of one or more particular operating bands, channels, and/or channel widths to avoid or limit signal interference and/or signal attenuation observed by each client device but not necessarily observed by an access point, router, gateway, etc. For example, feedback may be received from a plurality of client devices associated with the same wireless network or different wireless networks and used to determine and recommend one or more channels and/or one or more channel widths of one or more operating bands to use that reduces latency, CCI, and/or ACI and improves speed, throughput, and/or QoS.

The details of one or more aspects are set forth in the accompanying drawings and description below. Other features and advantages will be apparent from a reading of the following detailed description and a review of the associated drawings. It is to be understood that the following detailed description is explanatory only and is not restrictive of the present disclosure.

Aspects of the present disclosure improve wireless networking performance by reducing or limiting performance issues caused by undetected or unknown interference sources and/or attenuation sources. According to an aspect, feedback from client devices can be utilized to reduce or limit wireless network performance issues caused by varying interference parameters and/or attenuation parameters observed by each client device. For example, feedback associated with wireless networking parameters observed by a client device may be received and analyzed as the client device moves from one location to a different location but remains associated with the same access point. Feedback, associated with wireless communication conditions of corresponding client devices, may be used in conjunction with a machine learning algorithm to enable a dynamic selection of one or more particular operating bands, channels, and/or channel widths to avoid or limit signal interference and/or signal attenuation observed by each client device but not necessarily observed by an access point, router, gateway, etc. For example, feedback may be received from a plurality of client devices associated with the same wireless network or different wireless networks and used to determine and recommend one or more channels and/or one or more channel widths of one or more operating bands to use that reduces latency, CCI, and/or ACI and improves speed, throughput, and/or QoS.

1 FIG. 1 FIG. 100 100 102 102 104 106 107 108 106 102 102 118 120 122 106 110 is a block diagram of an example communication environmentin which aspects of the present disclosure can be implemented. As shown in, example environmentincludes a service providerthat utilizes various delivery equipment to provide video, internet, telephony, and/or other services to end-users. For example, service providercan utilize headendor other infrastructure to provide internet, live video, video conferencing, and other services to premises(e.g., residential, business, etc.) and neighboring premisesvia one or more network nodes. In some cases, a subscriber may have an installed antenna at premiseswhich is configured to link with backend equipment as part of accessing and using services of service provider. Service providermay provide access to the internet and other services via satellite dish, satellite(s), and/or cellular network. Premisesmay include different types and numbers of end-user equipmentfor use by end-users, such as set-top boxes, modems, routers, single device modems/routers (also referred to as gateways), internet of things, smart televisions, smartphones, laptop computers, desktop computers, tablet computers, etc.

106 112 107 111 112 106 Premisesmay have been constructed so that different areas inside and outside have different amounts of attenuation and/or interference. For example, an access point or gatewaylocated in a media room surrounded by walls may observe lesser amounts of interference from outside sources, such as access points of neighboring premises. When outside of the media room, the surrounding walls no longer attenuate the foreign signals and therefore if a client devicewas moved outside, it may observe more severe amounts of interference from outside sources as compared to RF conditions proximal to the gatewaylocated inside premises.

110 111 112 106 111 106 106 106 111 106 106 107 One type of user equipmentis referred to as a client deviceor station which may conform to the IEEE 802.11 standard for associating with and connecting to gatewayor access point located at premises. Client device, such as a smartphone, laptop, tablet, etc. may observe different levels of interference when located inside premisesas compared to being outside of premises. Likewise, depending on the attenuation sources of premises, client devicemay observe different levels of interference in certain rooms or areas of premisesas compared to other rooms or areas of premises. Potential external interference sources include gateways or access points of neighboring premises.

111 111 106 111 111 106 As described below, a system of one aspect is configured to utilize feedback provided by client device, and other client devices, as part of determining one or more operating bands, channels and/or channel widths to use when client deviceis located at different locations of premises. For example, the system can be configured to recommend a first channel and channel width when client deviceis located at a first location (e.g., a media room) and a second channel and channel width when client deviceis located at a second location (e.g., back deck). Due to feedback from each client device, the system has knowledge of a wireless environment proximal to a location of each client device reporting feedback. Due to attenuating and/or interfering sources, the feedback from a particular client may suggest that using an operating band, a channel, and/or a channel width at one location may not be an optimal channel and/or channel width to use at a different location of premises.

1 FIG. 102 106 106 102 102 106 102 102 With continuing reference to, and as an example, service providermay utilize a network via a hybrid fiber coax (HFC) or fiber communication infrastructure to provide cable television, internet, and/or other services (referred collectively as services) to end-users via a junction at premisesthat may include one or more filters, amplifiers, splitters, coaxial, fiber, etc. enabling signals to be communicated to and from premisesto access services provided by service provider. Service providermay provide services via the communication infrastructure to a junction at premisesaccording to a standardized communication protocol. The standardized communication protocol according to which service provideroperates may define upstream and downstream channels to enable bidirectional communications between service providerand a plurality of end-users.

104 106 106 104 106 As one non-limiting example, a cable modem termination system (CMTS) located at headendmay provide services, including internet and cloud services, to consumer premise equipment (CPE) (e.g., combined modem/router devices) located at premisesover a hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) network, where CPE then further communicates services to client devices used about premises. A data over cable service interface specification (DOCSIS) standard may be utilized for exchanging data between the CMTS and the CPE. As another non-limiting example, an optical line terminal (OLT) located at headendmay provide the services, including broadband internet access, to the CPE located on premisesover a passive optical network (PON). A PON standard may be utilized for exchanging data between the OLT and the CPE.

112 112 112 104 110 112 112 112 The CPE may include at least one combined modem/router device(also referred to as gateway, see for e.g., Cox® Panoramic WIFI Gateway). Gatewaymay receive data signals transmitted from headend(e.g., from the CMTS or OLT), translate the signals such that the signals are interpretable by end-user equipment. Gatewaymay form a local area network (e.g., an IEEE 802.11 network) to provide translated signals to client devices that are connected to the gateway. In some examples, CPE may further include one or more additional devices or accessories, such as range extenders, that may extend a range of the data signals output and input to gateway.

112 112 102 112 112 Gatewaymay be associated with one or more SSIDs identifying one or more respective networks formed by gateway, including a first network (e.g., SSID1/password1) over which services of the service providercan be provided. Each SSID may be associated with a unique password that is used to authorize client devices to connect to a wireless network. For the first network formed by gatewayover which services are provided, a first SSID (SSID1) identifies the first network and a first password (password1) is used to enable devices to connect to and utilize the first network. Once the correct password is submitted, devices may be referred to as connected devices with respect to gateway.

112 111 111 111 112 111 112 To connect with gatewayaccording to IEEE 802.11, as part of active scanning, client device(also referred to as a mobile station) may collect beacon transmissions, send probe requests, etc. to discover 802.11 networks. A probe request typically includes supported data rates and 802.11 capabilities of client device. Gateways or access points within range of the probe request send a probe response to client devicewith a service set identifier (SSID) or wireless network name, supported data rates, encryption type(s), and/or other 802.11 capabilities. Client device 111 can then select a compatible network based on received probe responses and gatewayutilizes a particular band and wireless channel with client devicewhich is now associated with and connected to gateway.

104 112 102 102 114 114 104 112 114 104 108 114 102 114 114 112 1 FIG. Signals from headendare received and translated at gatewayfor transmission to connected devices over the first network. Resultantly, connected devices may access services, including a channel selection service, provided by service providerover the first network. As described, further below, service providerincludes at least one controller device(also referred to as controller) in communication with headendand to receive feedback via gatewayin regards to wireless networking conditions of connected devices. Depending on load and other factors, controllercan be included with headend, one or more nodes, an antenna location, etc. While a single controlleris depicted in, additional controllers may be strategically located to manage multiple locations using the channel selection service of service provider. According to one aspect, a dedicated server machine includes controllerwhich is configured as a wireless network controller to manage aspects of one or more wireless networks including operating bands, channels, channel widths, data rates, etc.. In some examples, all or certain functionalities of controllermay be included in gateway, client devices, or another networking component.

102 114 114 106 107 112 112 111 112 111 Depending on a customer base of service provider, several access points, routers, or gateways may communicate with controllerso that controlleris aware of feedback provided from a plurality of client devices (for example feedback from client devices and/or gateways, access points, etc. operating at premisesand/or neighbor premises). Each client device may utilize IEEE 802.11 protocols to transmit feedback to gatewayor another device that corresponds to wireless network conditions observed proximal to a location of each client device. According to an aspect, a client device may transmit feedback to gatewayaccording to the IEEE 802.11 standard, such as a management frame (e.g., an active probe, an association request, etc.). The feedback from each client device can include a number of wireless networking parameters such as observed SSIDs, an airtime utilization parameter, a retry rate parameter, a latency parameter, a throughput parameter, a received signal strength (RSSI) parameter, a signal to noise ratio (SNR) parameter, etc. In one aspect, client devicecan be configured to provide feedback to gatewaypertaining to a preferred band, channel, and/or channel width to use for association or reassociation based on observed RF conditions seen by client device(e.g., from at least one radio interface).

An airtime utilization parameter may be quantified as a percentage of time that WIFI traffic is being used over the air from 0 to 100 percent (e.g., greater than a certain percentage (e.g., 60%) being unsatisfactory). A retry rate parameter may be quantified as a frame error rate that corresponds to frames that are not acknowledged due to error, corruption, etc. and need to be resent. A latency parameter may be quantified as an amount of time that a client device has to wait for a transmit opportunity. A throughput parameter may be quantified as an amount of data transmitted and received over a wireless network or the observed downlink and/or uplink data rates. While a certain number and type of feedback parameters are described herein, fewer or greater numbers and types may be used.

112 111 112 111 111 111 111 According to an aspect, feedback can be collected by each client device and transmitted to gatewayaccording to a number of different triggering factors. For example, feedback may be transmitted from client deviceto gatewayor another device upon certain triggering events such as: when client deviceattempts to associate or reassociate, when client devicemoves to a new location while connected, when an application or device functionality of client devicedegrades or becomes non-functional, when client devicelaunches an application, after a defined period of time, when a feedback parameter exceeds or falls below a defined threshold, etc.

111 111 111 111 112 111 According to one aspect, an application can be installed on client deviceand used to monitor a wireless interface, such as one or more radios, a radio subsystem, etc. of client deviceto gather parameters associated with wireless network conditions observed proximal to a location of client device. The application can be configured to automatically transmit feedback associated with the wireless network conditions observed proximal to a location of each client device. Feedback collection and conveyance from the application may be provided as part of a background task to minimize impact on device functionality. If the feedback results in an operating band, channel, and/or channel width adjustment, client deviceuses the operating band, channel, and/or channel width adjustment for subsequent communication with gatewayuntil subsequent feedback from client deviceresults in a subsequent operating band, channel, and/or channel width adjustment.

According to an aspect, the application may be used to override an adjustment and request a different channel and/or channel width adjustment. The application may also be used to adjust weighting of feedback parameters and whether one or more parameters are to be ignored or observed. In such one example, an application includes software that is executable to enable a client device to monitor wireless networking parameters, transmit feedback back to a gateway or cloud network periodically or upon a trigger event, receive channel and/or channel width recommendations, tune to a new channel and/or channel width, etc.

100 102 104 102 116 116 1 FIG. With continuing reference to the example environmentof, service providerincludes one or more server machines and supporting communication infrastructure communicatively coupled to headend, one or more gateways or access points, client devices, etc. According to an aspect, service providerutilizes a machine learning componentas part of analyzing client feedback and dynamically and adaptively determining one or more operating bands, channels, and/or channel widths to use in order to provide a high QoS wireless network to client devices that are connected to the wireless network. For example, machine learning componentcan include a machine learning algorithm configured to adaptively and/or dynamically output a ranked list of recommended channels and/or channel widths for each radio based on historical feedback received from client devices as client devices are added to and removed from wireless networks.

116 102 116 According to an aspect, machine learning componentmay be configured with a machine learning algorithm trained on one or more server machines of service providerusing various types of input data including current, past, and projected network operating conditions, device locations, device types, data usage by type of device or application, throughput values, latency values, airtime utilization values, retry rate values, operational characteristics and/or configurations of each device, interference conditions, attenuation conditions, and/or other device and/or signal behaviors to optimize one or more of operating band, channel, and/or channel width selections. For example, machine learning component, based on historical client feedback, can execute the machine learning algorithm to determine a first channel and/or channel width for a first client device at a first location connected to a first wireless network and a second channel and/or channel width for a second client device connected to a second wireless network based in part on feedback parameters from each device that quantify signal quality affected by attenuation and/or interference sources at each of the first location and the second location.

116 102 102 116 116 As another example, machine learning componentmay utilize the machine learning algorithm that includes a variety of weighted feedback or signal quality parameters to determine best channels and/or channel widths for client devices receiving services from service provider. For example, service providercan use machine learning componentto determine optimal channels and/or channel widths for groups of customers, wherein each group is defined based on potential interference and contention issues with nearest neighbors or according to a defined radiation patterning. Machine learning componentcan use the client feedback with the machine learning algorithm to provide a quality experience to as many clients as possible by ensuring that one or more throughput values, latency values, airtime utilization values, retry rate values, RSSI values, SNR values, etc. are within acceptable ranges.

116 112 112 116 According to one aspect, machine learning componentcan execute the machine learning algorithm to rank channels as a priority ranking for use by gatewayand connected client devices using client feedback and feedback from gateway. For example, certain client devices and/or application types may have priority over other client devices and/or application types, and the machine learning algorithm may be weighted to use a best channel and channel width for the priority client devices and/or application types. As described above, a user may use an installed application to accept, override, and/or adjust recommended channel and/or channel widths output by machine learning component. The various machine learning parameters, weights, inputs, outputs, etc. may be stored and deleted as a wireless network evolves and changes.

116 116 In some examples, machine learning componentuses one or more unsupervised machine learning techniques (e.g., self-organizing maps, nearest-neighbor mapping, k-means clustering and singular value decomposition) to explore a dataset/datasets (e.g., historical data) for identifying and learning patterns for channel selection and optimization. In some examples, machine learning componentmay use one or a combination of other machine learning techniques (e.g., supervised machine learning, semi-supervised machine learning, reinforcement learning, etc.) for generating a machine-learned model or channel selection algorithm.

2 FIG. 102 202 111 112 112 111 112 112 204 111 111 111 204 111 112 111 is a high-level communication diagram of a channel selection service provided by service provideraccording to an aspect. At, client deviceassociates with gateway. For example, after receiving a beacon or probe response from gateway, client devicecan associate with and connect to gatewayusing an operating band, channel, and channel width configured by gateway. At, client devicetransmits feedback associated with wireless networking conditions observed by client deviceat its location. For example, client devicemay perform a scan atto detect other routers, gateways, or access points that are within radio range of client devicebased on the current location using one or more SSID scans and transmit the results of the SSID scan(s) to gatewaythat includes all available SSIDs for each scanned channel observed by client device.

204 111 112 206 112 111 114 206 112 114 208 114 116 In one aspect, at, client devicecan be configured to transmit additional wireless network parameters to gateway, such as an airtime utilization parameter associated with each channel, a retry rate parameter associated with each channel, a throughput parameter associated with each channel, and/or a latency parameter associated with each channel. At, gatewayprovides the feedback received from client deviceto controller. According to an aspect, at, gatewayprovides its own operational feedback along with feedback provided by connected devices to controller. At, controllerprovides the feedback to machine learning component.

210 116 111 212 116 114 114 112 216 112 111 114 112 112 116 206 116 212 At, machine learning componentexecutes a machine learning algorithm using the feedback to determine at least one recommended operating band, channel, and/or channel width for use with client device. At, machine learning componentprovides the recommended operating band, channel, and/or channel width to controller. At 214, controllerprovides the recommended operating band, channel, and/or channel width to gateway. At, gatewayadvertises the recommended operating band, channel, and/or channel width to associate with, connect to, or reconnect with client device. In some aspects, functionality of controllercan be included with gatewayso gatewayprovides feedback to machine learning componentatand receives the recommended operating band, channel, and/or channel width from machine learning componentat.

3 FIG. 300 111 111 300 111 300 300 302 304 111 111 300 112 111 is a flow diagram depicting an exemplary methodof configuring at least one operating band, channel, and/or channel width to use using feedback from at least from client devicebased on operational conditions of a wireless network observed by client deviceproximal to its location according to an aspect. While methoddescribes receiving feedback from client device, methodis configured to receive feedback from multiple client devices, gateways, access points, etc. as part of determining operating bands, channels, and/or channel widths to use with respect to the multiple client devices. Methodbegins atand proceeds toand receives feedback from client device, wherein the feedback corresponds to operational conditions associated with a channel and channel width that client deviceis currently operating on. For example, methodmay rely on gatewayto receive feedback from client deviceor rely on a cellular network channel if there is no WIFI available.

111 111 112 300 111 112 In some instances, feedback may be provided by client deviceusing an information element according to IEEE 802.11 in conjunction with a management frame or other frame type transmitted by client deviceto gateway. For example, a “0” value of an information element conveys satisfactory operational conditions or quality, whereas a “1” value of the information element conveys unsatisfactory operational conditions or quality. Methodof one aspect uses the channel selection service to control channel and/or channel width changes using a variety of operational parameters from client devices such as observed SSIDs for each scanned channel, airtime utilization associated with a channel, retry rate associated with a channel, throughput associated with a channel, latency associated with a channel, RSSI, SNR, etc. Feedback may be provided from client deviceand/or gatewayon a scheduled basis and/or according to a trigger event such as: after changing channels, moving to a different location, when airtime utilization exceeds a threshold value, when retry rate exceeds a threshold value, when throughput falls below a threshold value, when latency exceeds a threshold value, etc.

306 300 111 306 300 308 111 111 308 300 304 111 308 300 310 At, methoddetermines, based on the feedback, that operational conditions of the wireless network proximal to client deviceare satisfactory. For example, satisfactory operational conditions exist when: an information element value representing operational quality is “0”, an airtime utilization value is below a defined threshold, a throughput value is equal to or above a defined threshold, a latency value is below a defined threshold, a retry rate value is below a defined threshold, etc. If the operational conditions of the wireless network are satisfactory at, methodproceeds toand determines if updated feedback has been or is being received from client device. If updated feedback is received from client deviceat, methodreturns to. If there is no updated feedback from client deviceat, methodends at.

306 300 312 111 111 111 112 114 116 If the operational conditions of the wireless network are unsatisfactory at, methodproceeds toand uses the feedback associated with the operational conditions of the wireless network proximal to client deviceto determine and recommend an operating band, channel, and/or channel width to use for subsequent wireless communications for client device. For example, unsatisfactory operational conditions exist when: an information element value representing operational quality is “1”, an airtime utilization value is equal to or above a defined threshold, a throughput value is below a defined threshold, a latency value is equal to or above a defined threshold, a retry rate value is equal to or above a defined threshold, etc. In some cases, client device, gateway, controller, machine learning component, or some other component can be configured to determine an operating band, channel, and/or channel width to use for subsequent wireless communications when operating conditions are unsatisfactory.

111 112 111 111 112 114 116 In one aspect, client devicecan use an installed channel selection application to automatically inform gatewayto change operating bands, channels, and/or channel widths for subsequent communications when operational conditions of the wireless network proximal to client deviceare unsatisfactory. In some aspects, determination of satisfactory or unsatisfactory operational conditions of the wireless network may be determined by client device, gateway, controller, machine learning component, or some other component.

314 300 111 114 116 112 111 314 300 306 At, methoduses the recommended channel and/or channel width of the operating band for subsequent wireless communications with client device. For example, controllercan receive recommended channel output from machine learning componentand then provide the recommended channel output to gatewayfor advertising to client devicethe channel and/or channel width of the operating band for subsequent wireless communications. In some cases, a recommended channel is a recommendation to stay on a current channel until further notice. After implementing the recommended channel and/or channel width of the operating band at, methodreturns toand again determines if operational conditions of the wireless network are satisfactory using the recommended channel and/or channel width of the operating band.

4 FIG. 400 400 402 404 114 102 114 is a flow diagram depicting an exemplary methodof using machine learning to determine one or more recommended channels and/or channel widths to use with one or more gateways, routers, or access points, and a plurality of client devices according to an aspect. Methodbegins atand proceeds toand receives feedback from one or more of the plurality of client devices, wherein the feedback is associated with operational conditions of a wireless network proximal to a corresponding client device. For example, multiple gateways may receive feedback from multiple client devices which may be provided to controller(or multiple controllers associated with service provider) when controllermanages the multiple gateways of customers.

406 400 116 408 400 116 116 At, methodprovides aggregated feedback associated with operational conditions of different wireless networks used by all or a subset of the plurality of client devices to machine learning component. At, methoduses machine learning componentto execute a machine learning algorithm to determine a recommended operating band, channel, and/or channel width for each client device according to the aggregated feedback. For example, machine learning componentcan execute the machine learning algorithm using weighted wireless condition feedback parameters such as observed SSIDs, airtime utilization values, retry rate values, throughput values, latency values, RSSI values, SNR values, etc. to recommend one or more of an operating band, channel, or channel width for each client device.

410 400 116 114 412 400 414 400 400 At, methodprovides the recommended operating band, channel, and/or channel width for each client device output from machine learning componentto controllerfor distribution to corresponding gateways serving respective client devices. At, methodstores the feedback, recommended operating bands, channels, and/or channel widths based on one or more locations and/or on a per gateway or client device basis in computer readable storage, such as a database or other data structure before exiting at. For example, methodmay store feedback from client devices, access points, gateways, etc. such as previously used operating bands, channels, and/or channel widths with operational parameters, recommended operating bands, channels, and/or channel widths with operational parameters, etc. for each location using a cloud network (e.g., a datacenter), a server machine, a controller device, gateway, etc. As with client feedback, feedback associated with access points or gateways can include similar operational parameters or some subset or superset depending on the particular channel selection service being implemented. It will be appreciated that methodmay utilize multiple controllers, machine learning components, databases, etc. depending on the architecture of the wireless environment.

5 FIG. 500 500 is a flow diagram depicting an exemplary methodof using a channel selection service to control operational conditions of multiple wireless networks according to an aspect. The methodof one aspect is configured to control operational conditions of multiple wireless networks to reduce or limit an amount of CCI and/or an amount of ACI using machine learning to output recommended operational parameters such as operating bands, channels, channel widths, data rates, and/or other communication parameters. For example, as client devices move away from gateways or access points to different locations having different attenuation and interference values, some or all of the client devices may observe reduced signal quality due to large amounts of CCI or ACI that results in unsatisfactory airtime utilization (e.g., greater than 40 percent) and unpredictable performance from collisions.

500 502 504 500 500 Methodbegins atand proceeds towhere methodreceives feedback associated with other gateways, routers, access points, or other potential interference sources that are detected by each client device after performing an SSID scan. In one aspect, in addition to use if an SSID scan, methodcan use an application to gather operational feedback by monitoring operational conditions of each client device for each channel in use, such as airtime utilization values, retry rate values, throughput values, latency values, etc. Feedback from client devices may be transmitted to a common controller, cloud network, service provider server machine(s), etc. for storage and machine learning.

506 500 500 508 500 500 510 500 500 512 500 516 512 500 504 At, methodstores the feedback associated with all or a subset of client devices in computer storage. For example, methodcan store feedback of client devices delineated by each gateway, router, or access point in a storage device. At, methoduses machine learning and feedback to predict and select best operating bands, channels, and/or channel bandwidths for wireless communications. For example, methodcan use machine learning and historical data to identify best operating bands, channels, and/or channel bandwidths of the IEEE 802.11 standard to reduce CCI and/or ACI associated with neighboring households or businesses. At, methodimplements the best operating bands, channels, and/or channel bandwidths for wireless communications. If methoddetermines that network performance is equal to or above a defined threshold at, methodstores the best operating bands, channels, and/or channel bandwidths in computer readable storage and exits at. If method 500 determines that network performance is below the defined threshold at, methodreturns to.

500 102 500 Depending on radio capabilities of client devices, gateways, routers, access points, etc., different operating bands, channels, and/or channel bandwidths can be selected per client. For example, different client devices can use different channels of certain operating bands (e.g. 2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz, etc.) depending upon radio capabilities and historical and/or real-time interference assessments. Methodcan be configured to analyze all or some subset of the SSIDs of its customers in addition to operational feedback to control which operating bands, channels, and/or channel widths are being used by which client devices to maximize the QoS for the customers of service provider. As described above, the channel selection service may be integrated into the functionality of a router, access point, gateway, controller, server machine, etc. It will be appreciated that methodmay utilize multiple controllers, machine learning components, computer storage devices, etc. depending on the architecture of a wireless environment.

500 500 500 106 102 106 An example use of methodto recommend a channel and channel bandwidth of an operating band for use by a gateway, router, access point, etc. when at least one wireless client (e.g., IEEE 802.11 clients) and a gateway, router, access point, etc. observe different RF conditions follows. By using client feedback concerning its proximal RF conditions, methodcan prevent the gateway, router, access point, etc. from configuring one or more radios (e.g., channels, channel widths, data rates, etc.) that result in poor client performance. Methodmay also be used when internet service is provided to premisesusing a mounted dish antenna that connects to an access point of service provider. An Ethernet cable connects the antenna to a power adapter which is connected to the gateway, router, access point, etc. of premises.

111 112 106 111 106 112 111 112 106 106 112 For this example, client deviceused an installed spectrum analysis application to measure RF conditions proximal to gatewayat a first location within premisesand measure RF conditions proximal to client deviceat a second location outside of premises. Gatewaywas positioned in a room surrounded by wooden and plaster walls. When client devicewas positioned near the location of gateway, output of the spectrum analysis application revealed that the construction of the interior of premisesprovided a high level of attenuation which suppressed wireless signals originating outside of premisesfrom reaching gateway.

111 106 107 500 111 111 111 When client devicewas located outside of premises, without the benefit of the interior construction, output of the spectrum analysis application revealed exposure to large amounts of RF interference from access points located at neighboring premises. As a result, and before execution of method, client devicerealized unsatisfactory wireless conditions even when a radio of client devicewas receiving a strong signal. The unsatisfactory wireless conditions included stalled connectivity (~15 seconds or more) with client devicedropping the connection and reverting to its cellular interface.

6 FIG.A 6 FIG.B 112 106 106 111 500 112 111 111 500 116 112 Continuing with this example, the spectrum analysis application operated as a spectrum analyzer using channelization software to analyze congestion and interference issues associated with different operating bands (e.g., 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz, etc.). Four SSIDs (see) were observed proximal to the location of gateway, with 3 radiating from within premises(e.g., private SSID, guest SSID, and a hidden satellite extender SSID). As shown in, the number of SSIDs observed by client device increased dramatically when outside premises. Channel 42 is being used by a large number of devices creating large amounts of CCI and channel 52+56 are creating ACI since client devicewas on channel 42. Conventionally, and before executing method, since gatewayis not aware of the RF conditions of radios of client device, the gateway’s radio resource management (RRM) algorithm selected channel 42 and an 80 MHz channel width, causing client deviceto experience severe bandwidth contention due to the contending access points within range. After using method, machine learning componenthas provided output based on the client feedback for gatewayto use a less congested channel X of operating band Y with a channel width of less than 80 MHz.

7 FIG. 7 FIG. 7 FIG. 700 700 704 702 706 708 710 712 714 716 700 726 is a block diagram illustrating example physical components of a computing deviceor system with which embodiments may be practiced as part of providing a wireless networking channel selection service. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments, different hardware components other than those illustrated in the example ofmay be used. Computing devices may be implemented in different ways in different embodiments. For instance, in the example of, the computing deviceincludes a processing system, memory, a network interface card(wired and/or wireless, cellular type, 802.11 type, etc.), a secondary storage device, an input device, a video interface, a display unit, and a communications medium. In other embodiments, the computing devicemay be implemented using more or fewer hardware components (e.g., a video interface, a display unit, or an input device) or in combination with other types of computer systems and applications.

702 702 704 702 702 The memoryincludes one or more computer-readable storage media capable of storing data and/or computer-executable instructions. Memorymay store the computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a processor of the processing system, provide an application that is configured to collect operational parameters and provide the collected operational parameters as feedback to other devices. In various embodiments, the memoryis implemented in various ways. For example, the memorycan be implemented as various types of computer-readable storage media. Example types of computer-readable storage media include, but are not limited to, solid state memory, flash memory, dynamic random access memory (DRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), DDR2 SDRAM, DDR3 SDRAM, read-only memory (ROM), reduced latency DRAM, electrically-erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), and other types of devices and/or articles of manufacture that store data.

The term computer-readable storage medium may also refer to devices or articles of manufacture that store data and/or computer-executable instructions readable by a computing device. The term computer-readable storage media encompasses volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in various methods or technologies for storage and retrieval of information. Such information can include data structures, applications, computer-executable instructions, or other data.

704 704 704 704 704 704 704 The processing systemincludes one or more processing units, which may include tangible integrated circuits that selectively execute computer-executable instructions. In various embodiments, the processing units in the processing systemare implemented in various ways. For example, the processing units in the processing systemcan be implemented as one or more processing cores. In this example, the processing systemcan comprise one or more microprocessors. In another example, the processing systemcan comprise one or more separate microprocessors. In yet another example embodiment, the processing systemcan comprise Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) that provide specific functionality. In yet another example, the processing systemprovides specific functionality by using an ASIC and by executing computer-executable instructions.

700 706 706 The computing devicemay be enabled to send data to and receive data from a communication network via a network interface card. In different embodiments, the network interface cardis implemented in different ways, such as an Ethernet interface, a token-ring network interface, a fiber optic network interface, a wireless network interface (e.g., cellular, WIFI, Wi-Max, etc.), or another type of network interface. The network interface may allow the device to communicate with other devices, such as over a wireless network in a distributed computing environment, a satellite link, a cellular link, and comparable mechanisms. Other devices may include computer device(s) that execute communication applications, storage servers, and comparable devices.

708 704 704 708 708 The secondary storage deviceincludes one or more computer-readable storage media, and may store data and computer-executable instructions not directly accessible by the processing system. That is, the processing systemperforms an I/O operation to retrieve data and/or computer-executable instructions from the secondary storage device. In various embodiments, the secondary storage devicecan be implemented as various types of computer-readable storage media, such as by one or more magnetic disks, magnetic tape drives, CD-ROM discs, DVD-ROM discs, BLU-RAY discs, solid state memory devices, and/or other types of computer-readable storage media.

710 700 700 The input deviceenables the computing deviceto receive input from a user. Example types of input devices include, but are not limited to, keyboards, mice, trackballs, stylus input devices, key pads, microphones, joysticks, touch-sensitive display screens, and other types of devices that provide user input to the computing device.

712 714 712 712 712 700 714 712 714 712 714 The video interfaceoutputs video information to the display unit. In different embodiments, the video interfaceis implemented in different ways. For example, the video interfaceis a video expansion card. In another example, the video interfaceis integrated into a motherboard of the computing device. In various embodiments, the display unitcan be an LCD display panel, a touch-sensitive display panel, an LED screen, a projector, a cathode-ray tube display, or another type of display unit. In various embodiments, the video interfacecommunicates with the display unitin various ways. For example, the video interfacecan communicate with the display unitvia a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector, a VGA connector, a digital visual interface (DVI) connector, an S-Video connector, a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) interface, a DisplayPort connector, or another type of connection.

716 700 716 700 716 702 704 706 708 710 712 716 7 FIG. The communications mediumfacilitates communication among the hardware components of the computing device. In different embodiments, the communications mediumfacilitates communication among different components of the computing device. For instance, in the example of, the communications mediumfacilitates communication among the memory, the processing system, the network interface card, the secondary storage device, the input device, and the video interface. In different embodiments, the communications mediumis implemented in different ways, such as a PCI bus, a PCI Express bus, an accelerated graphics port (AGP) bus, an InfiniBand® interconnect, a serial Advanced Technology Attachment (ATA) interconnect, a parallel ATA interconnect, a Fiber Channel interconnect, a USB bus, a Small Computing system Interface (SCSI) interface, or another type of communications medium.

702 702 718 720 718 704 700 720 704 700 700 702 722 704 700 702 724 704 700 7 FIG. The memorystores various types of data and/or software instructions. For instance, in the example of, the memorystores a Basic Input/Output System (BIOS), and an operating system. The BIOSincludes a set of software instructions that, when executed by the processing system, cause the computing deviceto boot up. The operating systemincludes a set of software instructions that, when executed by the processing system, cause the computing deviceto provide an operating system that coordinates the activities and sharing of resources of the computing device. The memoryalso stores one or more application programsor program code that, when executed by the processing system, cause the computing deviceto provide applications (e.g., application 128) to users including a channel selection application operable to send feedback to the cloud or other devices. The memoryalso stores one or more utility programsthat, when executed by the processing system, cause the computing deviceto provide utilities to other software programs.

Embodiments may be used in combination with any number of computer systems, such as in server environments, desktop environments, laptop or notebook computer systems, multiprocessor systems, micro-processor based or programmable consumer electronics, networked PCs, mini computers, main frame computers and the like. Embodiments may be utilized in various distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network in a distributed computing environment, and where program code may be located in local and/or remote memory storage (e.g., memory and/or disk(s)).

All system components described herein may be communicatively coupled via any method of network connection known in the art or developed in the future including, but not limited to wired, wireless, modem, dial-up, satellite, cable modem, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), Asymmetric Digital Subscribers Line (ASDL), Virtual Private Network (VPN), Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), X.25, Ethernet, token ring, Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI), IP over Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), wireless, WAN technologies (T1, Frame Relay), Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet (PPoE), etc. including any combination thereof.

8 8 FIGS.A-B 800 108 800 126 805 illustrate a suitable mobile computing deviceor environment, for example, a mobile computing device or smartphone, a tablet personal computer, a laptop computer, or other end device, with which aspects can be practiced. The mobile computing deviceis illustrative of any suitable device operative to send, receive and process wireless communications, as well as run applications (e.g., applicationfor collecting operational parameters and sending feedback to other devices). A display screenis operative for displaying a variety of information such as information about incoming and outgoing communications, as well as, a variety of data and displayable objects, for example, text, alphanumeric data, photographs, and the like.

800 805 810 815 818 800 825 800 800 805 830 Data input to the mobile computing devicecan be performed via a variety of suitable means, such as, touch screen input via the display screen, keyboard or keypad input via a data entry area, key input via one or more selectable buttons or controls, voice input via a microphonedisposed on the mobile computing device, photographic input via a camerafunctionality associated with the mobile computing device, or any other suitable input means. Data can be output via the mobile computing devicevia any suitable output means, including but not limited to, display on the display screen, audible output via an associated speakeror connected earphone system, vibration module for providing tactile output, and the like.

8 FIG.B 835 800 840 845 Referring now to, operational unitis illustrative of internal operating functionality of the mobile computing device. A processoris illustrative of a computer processor for processing incoming and outgoing data and communications and controlling operation of the device and associated software applications via a mobile computing device operating system. Memorycan be utilized for storing a device operating system, device programming, one or more stored applications, for example, mobile telephone applications, data processing applications, operational collected and feedback applications, channel selection applications, calculators, games, Internet browsing applications, navigation applications, acceleration applications, camera and/or video applications, client applications etc.

800 855 800 860 860 850 800 850 Mobile computing devicecan contain an accelerometerfor detecting acceleration, and can be used to sense orientation, vibration, and/or shock. Mobile computing devicecan contain a global positioning system (GPS) system (e.g., GPS send/receive functionality). A GPS systemuses radio waves to communicate with satellites orbiting the Earth. Some GPS-enabled mobile computing devices use wireless-assisted GPS to determine a user’s location, wherein the device uses orbiting GPS satellites in conjunction with information about the device’s mobile phone signal. Radio functionsinclude all required functionality, including onboard antennae, for allowing the mobile computing deviceto communicate with other communication devices and systems via one or more wireless networks (e.g., cellular, WIFI, BLUETOOTH, etc.). Radio functionscan be utilized to communicate with a wireless or WIFI-based positioning system to determine a device location.

Aspects, for example, are described above with reference to block diagrams and/or operational illustrations of methods, systems, and computer program products according to embodiments. The functions/acts noted in the blocks can occur out of the order as shown in any flowchart or described herein. For example, two processes shown or described in succession can in fact be executed substantially concurrently or the blocks can sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.

While certain embodiments have been described, other embodiments may exist. Furthermore, although embodiments have been described as being associated with data stored in memory and other storage mediums, data may also be stored on or read from other types of computer-readable storage media. Further, the disclosed processes may be modified in any manner, including by reordering and/or inserting or deleting a step or process, without departing from the embodiments.

The foregoing description has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. It is intended that the scope of the invention be limited not with this detailed description, but rather by the claims appended hereto.